WOW! What a surprise! You've definitely got a lot on your hands, but everybody seems to be doing a great job toughing it out. Congratulations and keep up the good work! I agree that going through a rescue would probably be the best way to make sure the pups all go to responsible homes. That way they can all be vetted/neutered before going to new homes and nobody else ends up with another surprise like this was.

Can't wait to see pics of the squeakers growing up. I wonder what dad was..

Actually the two dogs were getting along, even laying by each other. So weird to see after their first few mishaps. So I am hopeful that things will continue peacefully once the pups get older.

My husband got a plastic kiddie pool and is preparing it for the pups. I'm assuming Heidi will go in there too once we put them in there? We also has a friend who has a fence like the x-pen, which we will use when they get older.

We're trying to figure out how to mark them so we can weigh them and keep track. I've never heard of rick rack?

Vet appointment is later today. I really feel like Heidi and the pups should stay with us. I'd hate to send her somewhere strange when she's had such a chaotic life the past month and a half. Maybe that's not some people would do, but it's the only decision I feel good about. Although she's been with us a short time, we've really come to care for her, and want to do what we can. I've been reading like crazy on taking care of pups and I'm feeling less panicked. Still in shock though.

People suggesting go through rescue is to find a local (GSD maybe) rescue that you would feel good fostering them for (vet checks, home checks, pay for vetting, lifelong safety net for the puppies). They would stay with you and the rescue could help in all that other stuff. Win-win.

My friend got a shepherd through a rescue this past summer. Her experience wasn't good. She sent in an application, they called her almost immediately and when she went to *meet* the dog, they pretty much threw the dog at her and said "here you go". No follow up or interviews or anything. And he was filthy and not as his good as his description described. I really would like to avoid a rescue like that.

My friend got a shepherd through a rescue this past summer. Her experience wasn't good. She sent in an application, they called her almost immediately and when she went to *meet* the dog, they pretty much threw the dog at her and said "here you go". No follow up or interviews or anything. And he was filthy and not as his good as his description described. I really would like to avoid a rescue like that.

That probably wasn't a real rescue. There are some people that call themselves a "rescue", when they are actually hoarders or flippers. They collect free and cheap pets on Craigslist and elsewhere, and re-sell them. By posing as a "rescue", they can charge a "rehoming fee" and pretend like they're in it for the good of the dogs.

A real rescue has a 501c3 nonprofit status with the IRS. If the don't have a 501c3, they can't legitimately call themselves a "rescue", but people do it anyway.

Find a *legitimate* rescue in your area to help you. I think GSDCA has a listing on their website?

I wonder what the father was, or if you can do some detective work to figure it out? Do you still have contact information on the former owners?

You can post in the General Rescue Discussion section here to see if anyone personally knows of rescue groups in your area. In looking at that website - and that's not enough to know - that group looks good. There may be some members who have volunteered with them, or other groups, who can give some input.

ETA - vet check and home checks are really key - just looked at another website that did not seem to require the home visit.

The Chicagoland GSD Rescue seems to be okay. The rescue my friend got the dog from is listed on the link below (listings by state). I do have some responsible friends who are interested in a puppy and NONE would be breeding. That I know for a fact.

No way to get in touch with people we got Heidi from. I emailed the woman last night but haven't heard back, so who knows if she uses the same email. She won't answer her cell either. Scumbags.

People suggesting go through rescue is to find a local (GSD maybe) rescue that you would feel good fostering them for (vet checks, home checks, pay for vetting, lifelong safety net for the puppies). They would stay with you and the rescue could help in all that other stuff. Win-win.

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